FDA shuts down biggest primate lab, saving monkeys and millions.

The FDA Shuts Down Controversial Primate Testing Lab

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made a significant move by closing its Arkansas lab that ‍conducted drug testing on monkeys. The lab, known as the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), was notorious for its​ experiments on addiction using⁢ substances⁤ like nicotine, amphetamine, ketamine, and‌ Ritalin.⁤ While some monkeys ‌were ​retired to ​a sanctuary in 2018, the testing on other primates continued.

A Victory for‌ Animal Rights Advocates

In⁢ a recent⁤ email confirmed by the White‍ Coat ‌Waste Project, it was revealed that the FDA has ceased using primate test subjects⁣ at⁣ the NCTR. This decision‌ comes after years of ⁢advocacy by ‍organizations like the White Coat Waste Project, ⁤which estimated that the testing of⁢ these​ monkeys cost ⁤taxpayers a staggering $5.5 million.

“NCTR does not currently have a non-human primate program,” the email stated. “It was retired in December 2022.”

The ‌White Coat Waste‍ Project, through Freedom of Information⁤ Act requests, uncovered⁣ the extent of these experiments, revealing that over 200 monkeys were subjected to testing‌ each year. This revelation sparked outrage among⁢ animal‌ rights activists and ⁣prompted calls for change.

A Step Towards Progress

Representative​ Brendan Boyle (D-PA) expressed his satisfaction with the FDA’s decision, stating, “Painful testing on primates has no place in the​ 21st century when superior alternatives are available. I am thrilled that, following my years of advocacy‌ with the White Coat‌ Waste Project, the FDA has ‌finally shut down all of its primate experiments at the National Center for Toxicological Research. I will continue to lead bipartisan efforts in Washington to stop the abuse of​ primates and other animals in ‌outdated, expensive, and unnecessary government experiments.”

It is important to note that the Animal Welfare Act provides certain protections for test ⁢subjects, including‌ dogs, cats,​ nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters,⁣ rabbits, and horses used for research ‍purposes. However, invertebrate birds, ‍specific⁣ rats and mice, livestock, poultry, fish, and reptiles are not covered by these protections.

While the closure⁤ of the FDA’s ⁢primate testing lab is a significant ⁣step forward, it is ‍essential to recognize that there are still approximately 20 government agencies involved in animal testing. For ‌instance, the National Institutes of Health has allocated around $2.2 billion in​ contracts or grants⁢ to⁤ foreign organizations for research projects involving animals in the past decade.

As the fight for animal⁤ rights continues, it is crucial to advocate for the use of alternative methods and push for the ⁤elimination of unnecessary⁤ and inhumane ​experiments⁣ on animals.

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